Many people dread seeing the ‘dry clean only’ label on their clothes, but it turns out it’s not as black and white as you might have first thought – and people are feeling ‘duped’
One laundry label that always seems to slow down the washing process is the dreaded ‘dry clean only’ symbol.
It’s always a bit of a downer when you’re tackling a mountain of laundry and you spot that feared ‘dry clean only’ tag, as it not only means a trip to the professionals, but it can also be quite costly. And with the ongoing cost of living crisis, many of us are on the hunt for ways to save some pennies.
However, there might be a way to save both time and money. While there are certain items you should never attempt to wash at home, it appears the issue isn’t as clear-cut as you might think. It may seem daunting, but ‘dry clean only’ isn’t an unbreakable law that will land you in jail if you ignore it.
Many delicate fabrics can actually be cleaned at home in your washing machine or sink, even if the label advises ‘dry clean only’. According to the experts at Dependable Laundry Solutions, the “truth is that most clothing manufacturers put ‘dry clean only’ when a normal wash at home would be just fine”.
They don’t do this to “inconvenience us”, but rather to “minimise the returns due to customers not taking proper care of their clothes”. There’s also a distinction between ‘dry clean’ and ‘dry clean only’. If the label states the former, it’s merely a suggestion, not a rule.
Experts are warning that while some fabrics can handle a home wash, others are high-risk and could be ruined without professional dry cleaning. However, materials like acrylic, cashmere, cotton, nylon, polyester, denim and most wool are generally safe to wash at home.
The pros advise: “You still need to take care of these fabrics, but probably don’t need to splash the extra cash on a dry clean”. For delicate items, it’s recommended to hand-wash in cool water with suitable detergent or use a gentle machine cycle.
Always perform a spot test for colourfastness by dabbing a hidden seam with a detergent-moistened cotton swab. If dye comes off, head to the dry cleaners.
Fabrics that must be dry cleaned include silk, velvet, leather, linen, and suede. Many consumers were unaware of the nuances behind ‘dry clean’ labels, leading to mixed reactions.
One person confessed: “I wash all my ‘dry clean only’ clothes in the washing machine.” Another gleefully shared: “I get a giddy amount of joy out of sticking ‘dry clean only’ clothes in the washing machine and getting away with it.”
These revelations shocked some, with one individual exclaiming: “What!? You can actually do that!? Well in that case I’m having a field day when I get home! This Monday is turning out to be brilliant.”
One person revealed a surprising family secret: “Unbeknown to me, my now 92-year-old mother has done this for years! Wish she’d told me prior to six months ago,” which prompted another to respond: “Yes, I feel like I’ve been duped by Big Laundro for years now! If only I’d known all this time!”
The revelations didn’t stop there, as another chimed in: “I use tiny amounts of detergent as my friend’s FIL [father in law] had been chemist at one of the big producers and he said that you don’t need anywhere near the packet dosing instructions – win win,” leading to an enthusiastic reply: “We are busting their myths wide open!! Love it.”
